Battle Star Galactica Thrillride at Universal Studios Singapore

Universal Studios Singapore announced over two dozen attractions opening soon in early 2010, which includes 18 rides and attractions specially created or adapted for Singapore.

For Sci-Fi fans, check out the "Sci-Fi City" zone, which will house the Battlestar Galactica roller coaster ride, which is the world's tallest duel roller-coaster ride. The Humans vs Cylons ride will push thrill seekers on several inversions, zero-G roll, cockscrews and near-collision trajectories mere inches apart.





Another highly anticipated attraction is Transformers ride which will debut in Singapore in 2011 before heading out to the US theme parks.

The other zones in the theme park includes "Far Far Away" which is based on the Shrek universe, and a zone based on the movie Madagascar.

Universal Studios Singapore sits on a 49 hectares of the Resorts World at Sentosa, which also includes six hotels, a marine life park, a water park and a casino.

How much will the Tickets to Universal Studios Singapore cost?

At around S$70 per entry to Universal Studios Singapore (USS), Genting Singapore, which invested more than S$1 billion in the theme park could reap around S$315 million a year in ticket sales alone.

Speaking at a news conference yesterday, Douglas Trueblood, general manager (sales & marketing) for Universal Parks and Resorts, said the target is to attract 4.5 million visitors a year to the theme park at Resorts World at Sentosa (RWS), which is owned by Genting Singapore.

Assuming USS sells 4.5 million tickets at S$70 apiece, ticket sales could hit S$315 million.

Mr Trueblood did not reveal ticket prices, but Genting Singapore chairman and CEO Lim Kok Thay has said they will be lower than those at other Universal Studios theme parks.

Earlier estimates by analysts put the entry price at around S$80, compared with about US$70 in the US and 5,800 yen in Japan.

Analysts at Morgan Stanley Research (Asia-Pacific) expect entry prices to USS to be even lower at around S$70.

In a recent Morgan Stanley Research report, it was also estimated that USS could register total revenue of S$388 million for 2010, S$491 million for 2011 and S$545 million for 2012. This includes revenue from merchandising and F&B.

Interestingly, Morgan Stanley Research said Genting Singapore can offer cheaper entry tickets because of the lower construction cost of USS at about US$1 billion, which it said is about half the cost of Universal Studios Japan.

Morgan Stanley Research noted that no details have been made public on the USS franchise fee, but said it is likely that RWS will have to pay an upfront fee as well as a share of gross profit to Universal Studios once the theme park is operating.

Giving an update on USS which is in the final stages of construction, Mr Trueblood said that of the park's 24 rides, 20 will open next year, with 18 of them original or adapted for Singapore.

Universal Parks & Resorts chairman and CEO Tom Williams said: 'Universal Studios Singapore will be a unique experience and family destination with many new rides, shows and themes that can't be found at other Universal Studios parks.'

USS will consist of seven themed zones that surround a man-made lagoon. The zones are: The Lost World; Ancient Egypt; Sci-Fi City; New York; Hollywood; Madagascar; and Far Far Away. Rides including the Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure, WaterWorld and Revenge of the Mummy will be located within these zones.

Mr Trueblood revealed that a Transformers attraction will open in 2011 and other new attractions will be added in turn. 'Over the years, we will evolve,' he said.

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Video : Universal Studios Singapore

Check out this promotional video of Universal Studios Singapore, highlighting the various rides in the upcoming theme park on Sentosa Island. Scheduled to be open in the first quarter of 2010.

Thrilling rides and sleek attractions at Universal Studio Singapore

THEME-PARK lovers will soon get the chance to ride on the world’s tallest duelling roller coasters and escape from a Tyrannosaurus rex on a whitewater raft.

Universal Studios Singapore in Resorts World at Sentosa (RWS) has unveiled 20 out of its 24 slated rides and attractions– 18 of which are unique to Singapore.

The highlight of the theme park is the duelling roller coasters.

An artist's impression of the Universal Studios theme park at the Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) integrated resort (IR). Parts of the theme park will be based on two popular DreamWorks Animation films, Shrek and Madagascar.

The Enchanted Airways: A junior roller-coaster ride serving destinations throughout the world of Shrek. On the right is the Far Far Away castle.

Shrek 4-D Adventure: Help save Princess Fiona in a totally in-your-face fairytale adventure. Through the miracle of OgreVision you’ll see, hear, and actually FEEL the action right from your seat!

Fusing 3D-HD media, mega special effects and stunning robotics, this highly-anticipated ride follows the storyline of the blockbuster movie where Earth’s humans are caught in the middle of an intergalactic war between the friendly Autobots and the evil Decepticons. TRANSFORMERS will debut first at Universal Studios Singapore and then at Universal Studio Hollywood in 2011.

The imposing façade of the Mummy’s tomb.

Ancient Egypt zone at Universal Studios Singapore.

The Oasis Spice Café at Ancient Egypt will be one of the Halal restaurants at Universal Studios Singapore. Egyptian murals on the walls were all hand painted.

Revenge of the Mummy: A high-speed psychological thrill ride through sharp turns and fast reverse, as it pits guests against fireballs, carab beetles and robotic warrior mummies - all in total darkness.

Waterworld: Based on the blockbuster film, "Waterworld", witness a tidal wave of death-defying stunts, awesome explosions and thrills at this sensational live water show.

Sensational live water show based on the film "Waterworld".

Duelling roller coasters: Standing at 42.5m, it is the tallest pair of its kind and the first to have two different types of coasters - one seated and the other suspended.

Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure: Featuring a white water raft system, thrill-seekers on circular rafts will be tossed on waterways within the Jurassic compound, where prehistoric creatures roam free.

Universal Studios Singapore's Jurassic Park.

The Jurassic Park attraction, as seen on Oct 20, which is still undergoing development.

The Madagascar zone will feature an adventure boat ride as well as a carousel.

Mel's Drive-in will sell Classic American Cheeseburgers and French fries.

Hollywood Pantages Theatre: Featuring a 1,500-seat indoor theatre fully equipped to host major Broadway musicals, come watch the infamous Universal Monsters in "MonstroCity" - a rock-n-roll style revue.

An overview of the Universal Studios park in Singapore.

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Resorts World Sentosa offers 45,000 jobs

Resorts World Sentosa, which is expected to open its doors early next year, will provide up to 45,000 job opportunities.

The resort’s assistant director of communications, Robin Goh, said the vast employment opportunities created would also help boost the economic situation in the region.

“Resorts World Sentosa is a one-of-a-kind destination and will definitely attract much interest,” he said during a media familiarisation tour on Tuesday.

He added that the company had already sent a batch of employees to be trained overseas.

“They have been sent to Universal Studios in Orlando, United States, for robust training exercises and have returned to share their knowledge with the locals,” he said.

Goh said most Singaporeans did not have experience in the casino or theme park industry as the organisation was the first to open one in the city-state.

He said various jobs with specific expertise would also be offered to international employees.

“Employment priority will be given to locals but if we cannot get them, we will open it to those from other countries,” he added.

Resorts World Sentosa CEO Tan Hee Teck said the project, one of the most expensive tourism projects in the world, cost over US$4.4bil (RM14.8bil).

“One of the main draws of the resort will be Universal Studios Singapore, which will feature more than 24 different rides for visitors,” he said.

He said the park was expected to generate over S$4.5mil (RM10.8mil) in the first year.

Universal Studios Singapore includes seven different themed zones such as Ancient Egypt, The Lost World, Far Far Away and Madagascar.

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Unveiling the Best of Universal Studios at Universal Studios Singapore

Resorts World® Sentosa introduces 18 new-to-the-world rides and attractions within seven theme zones at Universal Studios Singapore

Resorts World Sentosa brings together the best of Universal Studios theme parks in Hollywood, California, Orlando, Florida and Osaka, Japan with seven themed zones that promise an enthralling Ride The Movies™ experience at Universal Studios Singapore.

Located within one of the world's most extensive and expensive tourism projects- the US$4.4 billion Resorts World Sentosa - Universal Studios Singapore features 24 rides and attractions, 18 of them original or adapted for Singapore.

Reeling out the movie theme park offerings for the first time, Resorts World Sentosa today, pulled the drapes off a pair of the world's tallest duelling coasters, a castle from the world of Shrek, a live show by the infamous Universal Monsters and celebrity look-a-likes including Marilyn Monroe and Betty Boop. Supporting the attractions was a sneak-peek debut that included an extensive menu of 30 restaurants and food carts, as well as 20 retail stores and carts.

Mr Tan Hee Teck, CEO of Resorts World Sentosa, said: "Asians love movies and we are proud to introduce the region's first and only Universal Studios theme park. Universal Studios Singapore will be one of the biggest and most exciting theme parks in the world, and it will be a tourism crown jewel for not just Singapore, but the whole region.

"We are in the final stages of construction, and for those who have had a sneak preview of Universal Studios Singapore taking shape, it has been an unanimous response that this is going to be a 'must-see' when Resorts World Sentosa opens early next year.''

"Universal Studios Singapore will be its own unique experience and family destination with many new rides, shows and themes that can't be found at other Universal Studios parks around the world," said Tom Williams, chairman and CEO, Universal Parks & Resorts. "Universal's attention to location-specific creative and design promises to deliver first-time Singapore guests --as well as devoted Universal Studios visitors that enjoyed other global locations—an exciting, different and memorable experience," added Williams.

Universal Studios Singapore is located within Resorts World Sentosa, Asia's most exciting family destination that is home to six hotels, a casino, the world's largest Marine Life Park and a destination spa - ESPA -- among other attractions.

Resorts World Sentosa will showcase Universal Studios Singapore at the inaugural ITB Asia trade show at Suntec Singapore from tomorrow to October 23 at its booth located at Hall 602, K12.

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Spielberg's Sentosa `not competing' with Disney

Hollywood producer and director Steven Spielberg lent his hand to boost the profile of upcoming Universal Studios Singapore as the city-state tries to drum up Hong Kong interest in the project.

Spielberg helped create the theme park - part of a bigger integrated Resorts World - which, its backers claim, will not compete with Hong Kong Disneyland.

Featuring 24 rides and attractions, the US$4.4 billion (HK$34.32 billion) resort, developed on Sentosa Island, will open in the first quarter of next year and it expects to attract 13 million visitors within its first 12 months.

In a five-minute video clip, Spielberg said.

"I am excited to help create Universal Studios Singapore ... a spectacular destination for the people of the region and the people of the world ... a place where our imagination becomes world reality," he said.

"Universal gives the people an opportunity to ride the movies."

Universal Studios Singapore will have attractions based on movies such as Jurassic Park, Shrek and Waterworld.

"I am particularly excited about the DreamWorks Animated theme lands of Far, Far Away and Madagascar," he said. Visitors "will be put inside, making them the superstars. These memories can last a lifetime."

Edward Koh Boon Wee, chief representative regional director for Greater China of the Singapore Tourism Board, said Hong Kong is an important market for the city-state.

More than 300,000 Hongkongers visit Singapore each year. "They like to go to Singapore for

food, shopping and buying our local products. I hope the integrated resorts will give them more entertainment options to stay another day, another night on the island," Koh said.

Universal Studios Singapore will target Asia as its key market.

"We call it the integrated resort and it is all encompassing. It is similar to the positioning of Singapore as a global leisure destination and a convention and services city of Asia," he said.

Koh does not think it will compete directly with Disneyland because they are "very different propositions."

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Photos from Press Tour Today at Universal Studios Singapore (soft opening early 2010)

Animal lovers might be horrified but… don’t worry it isn’t a real shark.


The Oasis Spice Café at Ancient Egypt will be one of the Halal restaurants at Universal Studios Singapore. Egyptian murals on the walls were all hand painted.







"Media coverage: Universal Studios Singapore Unveiled" by Resorts World at Sentosa

Get ride of your life on Twin Roller Coasters at Universal Studios Singapore

THEME-PARK lovers will soon get the chance to ride on the world’s tallest duelling roller coasters and escape from a Tyrannosaurus rex on a whitewater raft.

Universal Studios Singapore in Resorts World at Sentosa (RWS) has unveiled 20 out of its 24 slated rides and attractions– 18 of which are unique to Singapore.

The highlight of the theme park is the duelling roller coasters.

Standing at 42.5m, it is the tallest pair of its kind and the first to have two different types of coasters – one seated and the other suspended.

Both will be launched at the same time and experience near misses with each other.

There will also be 13 eateries serving classic American food and Asian cuisine, and 12 retail outlets selling souvenirs, apparel and film merchandise.

An RWS spokesman said that the remaining four attractions would be introduced progressively to encourage repeat visits.

RWS, which has invested over US$1 billion (S$1.4 billion) in the park, expects 4.5 million visitors in the first year.

Opening hours have not been finalised and admission fees will be announced at a later date.

Said Mr John Hallenbeck, director of park operations: “The pricing structure is in its final stages right now so we don't have the exact prices, but they will be competitive with those of the other theme parks.”

There are three other Universal Studio theme parks – in Hollywood and Orlando in the United States, and Osaka, Japan.

A day pass to the park in Hollywood costs US$69 (S$96), while Osaka charges 5,800 yen (S$89).

And visitors need not worry about Singapore’s tropical heat– 70 per cent of the park will be sheltered.

There will also be air-coolers and fans around the park, and some queues will be air-conditioned.

The 20ha theme park is at the end stages of construction.

It is the first in South-east Asia and will open to the public in the first quarter of next year.

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Resorts World Sentosa: Interview with Krist Boo - Vice President

Resorts World Sentosa is a collection of six hotels and attractions with fun-filled offerings for the entire family. Located on Singapores Sentosa island and spanning 49 hectares, this S$6.59 billion (US$4.4 billion) destination will be home to Southeast Asias first and only Universal Studios theme park, the worlds largest Marine Life Park, a destination spa ESPA and a designer casino decked with exciting gaming opportunities. Six unique hotels complemented by creative meeting facilities, world-class shows and public entertainment, as well as celebrity dining and shopping options at FestiveWalk complete the experience. Resorts World at Sentosa will have its soft opening in early 2010.

This interview with Ms Krist Boo, Vice President Head Communications of Resorts World Sentosa, was taken on 20 October 2009 following a press conference and tour of which full video coverage (around 2 hours of HD video) will be featured here, once we have completed the editing process. These videos will feature never before seen footage of the park and some of its future plans.

Universal Studio Singapore Site Map

Check out the new Site Map for Universal Studios Singapore. You can explore by clicking on the different areas of the Map.

7 Themed Zones

• Hollywood
• New York
• Sci Fi City
• Ancient Egypt
• Lost World
• Far Far Away
• Madagascar

Presenting the seven zones of Universal Studios Singapore:

1. Hollywood: Step into the center of the entertainment universe where Broadway-style theater (modelled after the famous Hollywood Pantages Theater) and an eye-catching collection of eateries and shops line its streets. Mel’s Drive-In™, from the hit movie American Graffiti, serves up burgers and cokes the old-fashioned way. Framed by dynamic architecture, palm trees and the famous Walk of Fame, guests will feel as if they have landed themselves at Hollywood Boulevard.


2. New York: Feel the spirit and energy of America’s biggest and grandest city as you stroll the sidewalks of the bold and romantic Big Apple that appears in all great movies. This is where all the classic landmarks of NYC prevail —the city skylines, neon lights, and facades that set the scenes for big city fun and real-time movie production. LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION!™, a special effects stage hosted by Steven Spielberg brings you behind the scenes of intriguing movie sets and Stage 28 offers a chance to be part of real-time move production. Sit down for a meal at the full service KT’s Grill or grab a slice of NY’s best pizza at Loui’s NY Pizza Parlour™.


3. Sci-Fi City™: The city of the future has arrived. Through the impressive portals into Sci-Fi City and into a futuristic metropolis filled with the most modern conveniences, remnants of past inhabitants and cultures, as well as visitors from around the world and other planetariums, this is where the future lies. The entire city is set atop and powered endlessly by an enormous energy-producing substructure that appears to draw its necessities from the wind, sun and water sources above. Catch glimpses of the subterranean world as you get tossed into the tumultuous battle of Humans versus Cylons on the Battlestar Galactica™ dueling coasters, the tallest of its kind in the world.


4. Ancient Egypt™: Ancient pyramids and obelisks stand fast against the sands of time as you are transported to 1930’s Egypt, the Golden Age of Egyptian Exploration. Travel to an era when entire Pharaoh’s tombs were discovered—and their terrible curses unleashed. Take the path of a daring archeologist as you unravel the cryptic riddles of the Sphinx in this sand-swept land. Whether you’re quenching your thirst or charming a snake at the Oasis Spice Café, shopping for Egyptian treasures at Carter’s Curiosities, or experiencing the Revenge of the Mummy™ attraction, this is an expedition for the brave at heart.


5. The Lost World™: Divided into two themed areas: Jurassic Park™ and WaterWorld™, this is where familiar and time-tested favourites of Universal fans are renewed. Jurassic Park, a theme park within a theme park, is based on Steven Spielberg’s classic epic adventure films. Experience the redesigned Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure™, a river ride that follows an escapade amidst a dense tropical forest where dinosaurs lurk. At Waterworld, watch death defying stunts that only Universal dares to execute, based on the hit film, “Water World”! Explosions of fire and water will excite the audience with thrills and spills.


6. Far Far Away: Step into the land of Far Far Away, a showcase of how the rich and fairy-taled lived, inspired by the world of DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek franchise. Discover Shrek’s swamp house and stroll along Far Far Away’s glamorous Romeo Drive, the place for the hottest nightspot in town, Hook’s Knight Club. Under the beautiful arches of the world’s first Far Far Away Castle, meet Shrek and Princess Fiona and sing along with Donkey at attractions Shrek 4-D and Donkey Live. This magnificent castle also houses magical concoctions at the Fairy Godmother’s Juice Bar and fairytale-themed cuisine inspired by the residents of Far Far Away.


7. Madagascar: Journey to Madagascar where you will find the four zooster heroes from the hit DreamWorks Animation franchise – Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria – who were cast adrift while being transferred from New York City’s Zoo. Join them on an adventure through the dense tropical jungles on an original, one-of-a-kind immersive river ride with state-of-the-art animated figures, digital projection, evocative sound, and moving show-action effects at Madagascar: A Crate Adventure. Help King Julien defeat his nemesis – the dreaded Foosa – at the rim of a bubbling volcanic cauldron and after surviving the ordeal, get spun around in a crazy carousel by King Julien and the Lemurs as they throw a festive beach party and “move it, move it” at King Julien’s Beach Party-Go-Round™. Chill with some tasty bites at Gloria’s Snack Shack™ or tuck into specialties and cool drinks at Casa Del Wild™, a café hosted by Marty the Zebra.

Where Ogres, Penguins and a Dragon Reign

Among the six zones in Universal Studios Singapore, DreamWorks is the largest in terms of footprint size; it takes up nearly the whole northern section of the park. In fact it may even be considered two zones!

Some of you may have read the press release announcing collaboration between USS and Dreamworks. If that has whet your appetite and you want to know a little bit more, dive on in!

This huge zone is separated into two distinctly themed areas: Far Far Away and Madagascar.

Far Far Away on the eastern region revolves around the fairy tale world of Shrek. Entering from the east, expect to be awed by the 40-metre high Far Far Away Castle as you pass under the castle wall’s archway to be greeted by attractions and sights featuring the now familiar names of Shrek, Gingerbread Man and of course the quirky Donkey, among others.

If you head towards the eastern wing of the castle, you’ll come across the Donkey LIVE show, where guests get to interact with the lovable Donkey in a theatre setting. I wonder whether there will be a real life Donkey character in there…

If you head towards the castle entrance proper, you will reach the location of Shrek 4-D. Be indulged in a whole new, never-been-seen-before Shrek adventure, where you’ll be in for a treat of 3-D cinematography, complete with special glasses as well as seats that come equipped with all kinds of (hidden) contraptions to bring your 3-D experience into the next dimension, hence the name Shrek 4-D.

Nestled in between Shrek 4-D (in the main keep) and Donkey LIVE (in the east wing), you’ll come across the Fairy Godmother’s Potion Shop, perfect for those looking for memorabilia and gifts to bring away. Not only that, right at the back of this shop, you’ll stumble across a miniature Ferris wheel, the Magic Potion Spin, an attraction in itself, where the countless potions for sale are actually made, or so we are made to believe! Hop on and maybe, just maybe, you may get sprinkled with some magical powers during the ride.

After all that, you can cross Romeo Drive and visit either Goldilocks Fried Chicken “Tastes just right!” or Friar’s Good Food (or both!) to quench your thirst and satiate your hunger. When your belly is full and you are ready to adventure on, head on west and…

You will see, on your left, the Enchanted Airways. This is merely a moniker for a ride on the back of a dragon! Hop onto the Dragon (that female dragon that’s enamored with Donkey) and coast along to sights from the World of Shrek. This ride is fit for the whole family, so parents can join their young children for this adventure.

It is then time to bid farewell to Shrek and friends. And it’s time to move it, move it to the land of the lemurs, the Foosa and the cast from Madagascar.

If you haven’t had enough to munch on previously, or if you want to try the tastes of Madagascar, head on to Casa de Wild right beside Far Far Away Castle. Or you can keep your tummy space for later and visit Madagascar: A Crate Adventure.

Follow the quartet of Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria of the Madagascar fame on their adventure after the ship they were on ended up beached on the shores of Madagascar. As this is a flume ride – a crate ride to be exact – be prepared to get slightly soaked while taking in the sights of lush jungles to forbidding volcano, to meeting the lemurs and the erratic King Julien. You may even get to show off some of your dance moves.

Of course we must not forget the surprisingly charming though thoroughly psychotic penguins; in fact they are undoubtedly the reason you – and the quartet – are stranded in Madagascar in the first place.

Once you are done saving the world (or saving the lemurs), grab some memorabilia and/or photos of yourself during the adventure on your way back out at the Penguin Mercantile – the penguins never fail in trying to take you unawares.

Right across the street, you will see the domain of the King Julien and the lemurs where you will find the King Julien’s Beach Party-Go-Round. This is a carousel ride meant for the young – sorry folks, adults not allowed. As the kids spin around, be prepared to be assailed by King Julien and his repertoire of high-energy dance music. Now if only he can shut up for a while…

After you get away from the incessant King Julien, now it’s time to eat some more! Visit either Gloria’s Snack Shack right beside the carousel or head back towards Casa de Wild.

And that’s about a short preview of Dreamworks. Phew! Right about now, I should be getting a nice pina colada at Gloria’s Snack Shack, if only I can fast forward into the future. I can wish, can’t I?

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